Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is currently navigating a challenging landscape in college football, one that is heavily influenced by the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era and the looming NCAA Transfer Portal. Following the Buckeyes’ triumphant victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they secured a 34-23 win in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the focus has shifted to retaining their star players amidst growing interest from rival programs.
Retention efforts amid transfer portal frenzy
The Buckeyes are in a race against time as they work to keep their talented roster intact during a five-day transfer portal window that closes on Saturday. Reports from On3’s Pete Nakos indicate that Ohio State’s NIL collective, The Foundation, is aggressively pursuing star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, who have attracted significant attention from outside programs.
Nakos highlighted that Smith, who shattered Ohio State’s freshman receiver records in 2024, is reportedly being courted with NIL offers in the range of $4.5-5 million. Meanwhile, Tate is allegedly commanding a NIL deal around $1 million. With such lucrative offers on the table, the stakes are high for the Buckeyes.
Day’s perspective on player value and fairness
During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Day addressed the challenges of player retention in this new era of college football. He emphasized the importance of valuing players and doing everything possible to ensure they receive what they deserve. “You have to value them, do everything you can to get what they deserve and what’s fair,” Day stated.
He also acknowledged the allure of being part of a prestigious program like Ohio State. “There’s also something to be said for being around a program like ours,” he said. “If it’s all equal, we’ll have our chance to get our share of guys. But it is different, there’s no question.”
The challenges of enforcement in college football
One of the most pressing issues in college football today is the lack of enforcement surrounding tampering and NIL deals. Day expressed his concerns about how outside programs can engage with players before they even enter the transfer portal. “I think one of the big issues we have across the board in college football right now is enforcement,” he explained.
He pointed out that without proper enforcement, rival programs can easily reach out to players through their agents or families, making offers that can be hard to resist. “Until we start enforcing some of these rules, people can just call someone’s agent or someone’s parents and offer them a certain amount of money, and then it goes from there,” Day remarked.
He believes that addressing enforcement is crucial for maintaining the integrity of college sports. “Right now, there’s virtually none. And it’s gotten worse as time has gone on,” he added.
The financial landscape of college football
As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, financial dynamics are shifting dramatically. With revenue sharing set to kick in on July 1 and booster-led NIL collectives spending significant amounts, top programs are seeing their payrolls soar. Reports suggest that some college football teams will be spending between $27 to $30 million in 2025 on player compensation and NIL deals.
This financial pressure adds another layer of complexity to the recruitment and retention of top talent. Programs must not only compete on the field but also in the financial arena, making it essential for coaches like Day to adapt to these new realities.
Ohio State’s championship celebration and future focus
Despite the challenges ahead, Ohio State is gearing up for a national championship celebration scheduled for Sunday at The Horseshoe. However, the immediate focus remains on retaining their top talent as the transfer portal window looms. The Buckeyes are determined to keep their championship-winning roster intact, and Day’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating this complex environment.
As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, the emphasis on NIL deals and the transfer portal will likely shape the future of the sport. Coaches, players, and programs must adapt to these changes, ensuring they remain competitive both on and off the field. The coming days will be critical for Ohio State as they work to secure their stars and maintain their status as a powerhouse in college football.
In this high-stakes game, the question remains: Can Ohio State hold onto its key players while navigating the challenges of NIL and the transfer portal? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the Buckeyes are committed to doing everything they can to protect their legacy and future success.
